In:
Journal of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Vol. 30, No. 34_suppl ( 2012-12-01), p. 92-92
Abstract:
92 Background: At a community hospital satellite of an academic cancer center, baseline data indicated that 49% of patients waited longer than 30 minutes from arrival in the treatment chair until treatment was started, resulting in dissatisfaction and decreased chair turnover. Methods: A team was assembled, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and administrative staff. The team constructed a detailed process flow map and performed a cause-and-effect analysis. Wait time data were collected using the electronic scheduling system and time sheets. Additionally, nurses used a structured data collection sheet to categorize the reasons for prolonged wait times. A p-type statistical process control chart was constructed to track the proportion of infusion visits per day with wait times longer than 30 minutes. The team brainstormed process improvements and selected ones to implement by employing a priority/pay-off matrix. Results: Baseline data were assessed for 403 visits over a 3 week period. Of 232 visits with wait times longer than 30 minutes, 98 (42%) involved excessive waiting for the physician to see the patient or write orders. One of 4 physicians was responsible for 56 (57%) of these. This physician’s patients were seen exclusively in the infusion room, while the other physicians saw patients in the exam room before sending them to the infusion area. Three PDSA cycles were conducted: (1) All physicians started seeing patients in the exam room before sending them to infusion chairs, (2) Specific treatments were selected that could be routinely administered without the physician seeing the patient, and (3) A reminder system prompted physicians to enter treatment orders within 24 hours of each patient’s visit. After 6 months, 29% of patients waited longer than 30 minutes, down from 49% at baseline. Conclusions: These interventions implemented using PDSA cycles successfully reduced wait times. Measurement and presentation of data were critical in persuading physicians to practice in a more homogeneous fashion.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0732-183X
,
1527-7755
DOI:
10.1200/jco.2012.30.34_suppl.92
Language:
English
Publisher:
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Publication Date:
2012
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2005181-5
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